2019-S Sacagawea Dollar Value: What Is Your Coin Worth?
The 2019-S Sacagawea Dollar is worth anywhere from $1.50 in typical circulation to over $60 for high-grade Deep Cameo proof specimens. While these golden-colored coins are beautiful, their value depends heavily on their strike quality and whether they were released for general circulation or minted specifically for collectors.
| Condition/Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated / Face Value | $1.00 – $1.25 |
| Uncirculated (Mint State) | $2.00 – $5.00 |
| Proof (PR69 Deep Cameo) | $15.00 – $20.00 |
| Proof (PR70 Deep Cameo) | $55.00 – $85.00 |
Understanding the 2019-S Native American Dollar Value
If you have found a 2019 dollar featuring a Native American woman and child, you are looking at a piece of the “Native American $1 Coin” series, which evolved from the original Sacagawea design. The 2019 edition is particularly special because it commemorates Mary Golda Ross and the space program. To get an accurate price, many collectors use a free coin identifier app to distinguish between regular strikes and the more valuable “S” mint mark proof versions.
The “S” mint mark on your 2019 coin indicates it was produced at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) coins often found in pocket change, San Francisco usually produces “Proof” coins specifically for collectors. These coins features polished, mirror-like backgrounds and frosted details.
If you are unsure whether your coin is a proof or just a very shiny business strike, using the CoinKnow app can help you identify the luster and surface quality instantly. Most 2019-S dollars found today are still in excellent condition because they were sold in protected sets by the US Mint, rather than being dumped into vending machines.
Design Details of the 2019 Mary Golda Ross Dollar
The 2019 design is officially titled “American Indians in the Space Program.” The reverse side depicts Mary Golda Ross, the first known Native American female engineer, writing calculations. In the background, an Atlas-Agena rocket launches into space, symbolizing the contributions of Native Americans to the U.S. space program and NASA.
The obverse (front) remains the classic portrait of Sacagawea carrying her infant son, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau. This design by Glenna Goodacre has been the face of the golden dollar since 2000. However, by 2019, the date and mint mark were moved to the edge of the coin, a process known as “edge-incused lettering.”
Check the rim of your coin to find the “2019 S” engraving. If the edges are smooth or the text is missing, you might have a rare mint error. For those checking market trends, the current 2019 Sacagawea dollar price data shows that even standard Mint State coins can fetch a premium over face value if they are graded highly by services like PCGS or NGC.
Price Guide for 2019-S Sacagawea Proof Coins
The 2019-S dollar was primarily issued in the 2019 Proof Set and the 2019 Silver Proof Set (though the dollar itself is composed of manganese-brass, not silver). Because these were handled with care, you won’t find many “worn” versions. The value is strictly tied to how “perfect” the coin remains after leaving the mint.
| Professional Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| PR67 Deep Cameo | $10.00 |
| PR68 Deep Cameo | $14.00 |
| PR69 Deep Cameo | $18.00 |
| PR70 Deep Cameo (Perfect) | $65.00 |
A search on the CoinKnow app can help you compare your coin to the “Deep Cameo” standard. A Deep Cameo (DCAM) coin has a high contrast between the shiny field and the white, frosted design. If your 2019-S looks hazy or has fingerprints, the value will fall toward the lower end of the scale around $2 to $5.
2019-P and 2019-D Business Strike Comparisons
While the 2019-S is a proof coin, the Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) versions were minted for circulation but mostly sold in rolls and bags to collectors. Since 2012, the Native American Dollar has not been released into general circulation in large quantities, making them harder to find in change than the older 2000-P versions.
If you find a 2019-P or 2019-D in your change, it is almost certainly worth $1. However, if it was kept in a mint-wrapped roll, it could be worth more. You can find more comprehensive 2019 Sacagawea value information regarding the “P” and “D” mint marks to see if your non-S coins are worth submitting for grading.
Generally, a 2019-P or 2019-D in MS65 (Gem Uncirculated) condition sells for about $3 to $5. If you manage to find a high-grade MS67 or MS68, the price can skyrocket to over $100 because these “business strikes” are rarely found in such pristine condition compared to the carefully manufactured proofs.
How to Identify 2019-S Sacagawea Dollar Errors
Error coins are the “holy grail” for many casual hunters. While the 2019-S was produced with high quality control, mistakes can happen. Typical errors to look for include “Planchet Defects” (where the metal of the coin is cracked or stained) and “Edge Lettering Errors.”
Because the year, mint mark, and “E Pluribus Unum” are on the edge, sometimes the machines skip a coin. An “unlettered edge” 2019 dollar would be a significant find. Another common error is a “Die Clash,” where the images of the front and back appear faintly ghosted on the opposite side.
Before you get too excited about a potential error, use CoinKnow to scan the coin. The app can often help differentiate between a genuine mint error and “post-mint damage” (PMD), which is just wear and tear from the real world. Genuine errors on 2019-S coins are extremely rare and could be worth hundreds to the right buyer.
Is the 2019-S Sacagawea Dollar a Good Investment?
For the average American, the 2019-S Sacagawea dollar is a fantastic collectible but a slow-growing investment. Because the San Francisco Mint produced a known quantity for collector sets, there isn’t a “supply shock” that drives prices up rapidly.
However, the 2019 “Space” theme is very popular among collectors who don’t just collect coins, but also space memorabilia. This cross-market appeal ensures that the coin will always have a buyer. If you have a PR70 (perfect) specimen, it is worth holding onto, as the number of perfect coins is limited.
For those looking to build a set, the 2019-S is an affordable way to own a piece of American history. Just remember to keep it in its original protective capsule. Touching the surface of a proof coin with your bare hands can leave oils that eventually turn into permanent black spots, significantly lowering the value.
FAQ
Q: Is the 2019-S Sacagawea Dollar made of gold?
A: No, despite its “Golden Dollar” nickname, it contains no actual gold. It is made of a core of pure copper with an outer layer of manganese brass (77% copper, 12% zinc, 7% manganese, and 4% nickel).
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 2019-S dollar?
A: You won’t find the mint mark on the front or back of the coin. It is located on the edge (the rim) of the coin, along with the date and the motto “E Pluribus Unum.”
Q: Can I find a 2019-S Sacagawea Dollar in my pocket change?
A: It is very unlikely. The “S” mint mark coins were sold in special sets to collectors. While someone might occasionally spend one by accident, they are generally not found in circulation.
Q: How much is a 2019-S dollar worth if it is scratched?
A: If a proof coin is scratched or “circulated,” its value drops significantly, usually to around $1.25 to $1.50. Collectors only pay high premiums for coins in near-perfect condition.
